According to the US Department of Justice, human trafficking is defined as “a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used.” Human trafficking happens across all races, national origins, creeds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and, yes, even religions.
Now, more than ever, it is important to have the full support and mobilization of churches and congregations across all denominations because the lost and sleeping need the full transformative and transfiguring restoration that is brought by the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.
Rescue 1 Global’s mission is to mobilize everyday people to counter human trafficking and provide holistic restoration. The starting point to mobilize everyday people is to shine a light on the epidemic of human trafficking. We educate communities through our Human Trafficking 101 events held at churches, Sunday School classes, conferences, and other various civic and paraprofessional groups. Rescue 1 provides resources, training on the inner workings of human trafficking, and identification of human trafficking victims, as well as what to do when human trafficking has been identified.
In addition, we provide age-appropriate education and awareness to vulnerable populations, such as children, teens, and women. Rescue 1 believes that it is important for these populations to be able to protect themselves from the easily disguisable predators that lurk about on the internet, social media, gaming apps, and dating apps.
Rescue One Sundays are designed to engage your whole church to “Set the Captives Free.” By giving us one Sunday on your calendar, thousands of captives could be set free, locally and globally. We know that planning Sundays can be overwhelming at times; so we created a packet to make this journey as easy as possible! Within the booklet, you will find the steps to hosting a Rescue One Sunday. You can customize the event to fit your congregation best. We have included creative ideas and suggestions for your church to consider. Ultimately, your Rescue One Sunday is exactly that… yours. You get to decide what this day will look like, and we will do our best to help you make it happen. Ultimately, our goal is for each individual to learn how they can be Freedom Ambassador, one person at a time.
The age-old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more true. The Prevention of ONE victim today is one of the most important factors in our line of defense against human trafficking in the future. Prevention is the second point of mobilization with Rescue 1 Global. We train your group on how to do outreach in your local community, serving the vulnerable and lost through hot meals and discipleship, while taking the church outside of the pews and church building.
With trained staff and missionaries, Rescue 1 Global provides 24/7 crisis intervention. Our advocates will respond to law enforcement or other partner agencies to begin the next steps process with a survivor. We also provide screening and assessment of individuals suspected by law enforcement or other organizations/individuals for possession, prostitution, domestic violence, or other trafficking related crimes. We offer assessment and resources for incarcerated females, runaway children, and families struggling with their child’s behaviors. Trained advocates offer emotional support, victims’ rights information, resources, housing, addiction services, medical, therapy, etc. We accompany victims through criminal justice proceedings, and we partner with organizations, such as criminal justice or social service agencies, to get resources for the victims we serve.
Lastly, Rescue 1 Global provides restoration to survivors of human trafficking who need a community of support in order to heal. We work with each survivor to meet their individual basic needs, urgent care, and provide non-residential services, as well as safe shelter. We have opportunities for everyday people to provide mentoring and life-skills training to prevent recidivism into human trafficking.
As a parachurch ministry, Rescue 1 Global exists to expand and supplement the church and her work. Rescue 1’s strategic ministries to the most vulnerable and most ignored is vital to the work and ministry of the church. We equip and encourage the church to fight human trafficking and empower the lives of those in their community and surrounding areas to be free from enslavement and captivity – spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Support freedom, and her voice, as a Freedom Partner at www.rescue1global.org.
Amanda Salter, Vice President of Business, Rescue 1 Global
